Summary
Autotrophs such as plants and algae that make organic compounds from light or chemical energy.
In depth
Photoautotrophs use light; chemoautotrophs use chemical energy such as hydrogen sulfide. Producers fix about 100 billion tonnes of carbon each year. Marine phytoplankton produce about half of Earth's oxygen.
They are the base of nearly all food webs.
Primary producers set limits on total energy available. Aquatic producers are small, with fast turnover; terrestrial ones are large and long-lived.
Key idea: no producers, no ecosystem, except in rare cases fuelled by imported organic matter.
Frequently asked questions
What is Producers?
Autotrophs such as plants and algae that make organic compounds from light or chemical energy.
Which area of biology covers Producers, and how advanced is it?
Producers is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Primary Productivity, Consumers, Ecosystem.
Can you give an example of Producers?
Kelp, grass and cyanobacteria.
What should I learn before Producers?
Producers is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Ecology that pair well with it include Ecology, Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors.
What topics are related to Producers?
The closest topics to Producers are Primary Productivity, Consumers, Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Producers?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Producers. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Producers different from Primary Productivity?
Producers: Autotrophs such as plants and algae that make organic compounds from light or chemical energy. Primary Productivity: The rate at which producers convert energy into organic matter, gross minus respiration equals net. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Producers step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Primary Productivity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.